There are often times when you come up with an idea and you want to take that idea online but somebody already owns the domain name you want or need. Many times at this point, just because somebody already owns the domain name, you move on and try to select a different domain. Why settle for second best from the start? Maybe your business domain name doesn’t match your business name? Did you ever think that you may be able to purchase that domain name that is currently owned by somebody else? Often times you can!

This editorial is about how to find the owner of a specific domain name and the safety steps that you should take when purchasing a pre-owned domain name.

Beat To The Punch

Many domain name owners often get called "squatters" because they own a specific domain name. This really is not always the case. If they own a trademarked term in the domain and purchased it after the trademark was in place, then things may be different. Now for domain owners that own generic terms, consider them wise business people that had the vision to invest into something they felt may hold value because of the potential of the internet and the fact that domain names are one of a kind! If you look at it in a little different way, consider it like land. Just because an empty piece of land on a busy street corner in your town doesn’t have an office building or fancy store, doesn’t make the land owner a "squatter" just because they own it. If domain name doesn’t appear to be in use, this is very similar. Nor should they be considered a "squatter" because they purchased the land in the first place! Yes, I would love to own all the land on a busy street in my town, but somebody thought it would be a good idea to purchase it before I did. They beat me to the punch and made a wise business decision. If I want to own the land, I will need to come to an agreement with the current owner. Domain names are no different.

How To Find The Current Owner of a Domain Name

There are many ways to try and find who the current owner is and the way to get in contact with them. It is important to understand, not every domain name is for sale and secondly, not every domain owner is going to want to be public with who they are. With that said, here are some ways to get in contact with a specific domain name owner:

Whois

The whois system is a database of information for specific domain names that contain the owners name, mailing address, email, phone number, DNS (domain name servers), registrar and more. A large portion of domain owners that wish to be contacted will have this information public. Many who do not, will use a privacy service and there will be generic information in place. You should still be able to use the email address (long and ugly) to get in contact with the owner if privacy is used. Using the email address or phone number will at least allow you to find out if the domain may be for sale or to start conversations.

Direct Navigation

Direct Navigation is when you simply type the domain name into your address bar in your web browser and visit the "site" of the specific domain name you are interested in. Many domain name owners will provide contact information or have a for sale message if the domain name is for sale or not right on the site. This can be a very easy way to get the answer and information you are looking for and should be one of your first stops.

Now if you visit the domain directly and there happens to be a "site" on the domain, do not instantly throw your hands in the air! It may be an old site or your offer may be worth to the owner to sell the domain name anyway! Keep in mind, money talks! Search around for a Contact Us or use the whois system as stated above if this doesn’t answer your question. Getting in contact may take a little time but what do you have to lose by asking! If you really want the domain, make an effort even if there is a "site" on the domain. Now clearly Google isn’t going to sell Google.com, so be realistic!

Domain Aftermarket

A domain owner that is willing to sell a specific domain name will often list it for sale using the domain name aftermarket and the services available. Two of the most popular domain aftermarket listing services are:

Sedo.com

Afternic.com

Both services offer a search function. Simply type in the exact domain name you are interested in and cross your fingers it is listed. If it is listed, you can either make an offer or often times a buy it now price is listed. Be sure to understand that if you really want to purchase this domain name, understand the values of domain names. Upsetting the seller with a "low-ball" offer will not start you off on the right foot. Check out DnJournal.com and see what some of the reported sales are to give you an idea ahead of time. Each domain is different, so just because one may sell for X doesn’t always mean the domain you are interested in is worth more or less etc.

If you do your search on Afternic or Sedo and the domain name is not listed, both services offer a broker service. If you are really serious about buying the domain name and have tried with no luck to find the owner, you may consider using a domain name broker. Using Sedo or Afternic are also a way to stay anonymous if you wish.

Security of Purchasing a Pre-owned Domain Name

So you found the owner and have come to an agreement on a price. Now comes the payment and transfer of ownership of the domain name. This is a very risky part of any transaction and domain names are no different. It is very likely you have never met this person in real life and only had email or a phone conversation. The best thing to do is to use a 3rd party service to act as the middle man. You have to trust this 3rd party service and the ones I display below are ones that I trust and have used! This is not a time to get cheap, there are small fees but are well worth it and often times domain owners will split escrow fees with you. If they do not wish to split the fees, it is still worth using an escrow service.

Escrow services do a couple things.

Take payment and make sure it "clears". They take a lot of the risk out for both buyer and seller.

Most take control of the domain from the seller to play middle man to get the domain into a buyers account.

Once payment is cleared and the escrow service takes control of the domain, escrow assist the buyer getting the domain into there account and releases funds to the seller.

Moniker Escrow is a great service! Moniker Escrow takes control of the domain during the escrow process, which I think this is very important process! They clearly handle the payment as well. Very trusted service and a great domain registrar as well.

Escrow.com is a good service. Escrow.com does escrow for domain names, handles the payment process but does not take control of the domain (unless a payment plan is used) during the transaction. Escrow will take payment and tell the seller when it clears and is safe to transfer ownership of the domain. Once transfer of ownership takes place, the buyer contacts Escrow and tells them they have taken ownership. At that point, the money is released to the seller. Escrow does have steps in place to verify ownership change but they are on a trust basis IMO.

Sedo.com Escrow is a good service. Sedo’s escrow is pretty similar to Moniker. Sedo does take the domain name into an escrow account and releases it after the payment clears and will assist the buyer in getting the domain name into there account.

Afternic.com Escrow works very similar to Escrow.com’s service. Afternic does not take control of the domain.

Overview

The above steps should help you to find the current owner of a specific domain name and options to make a safe transaction take place. Clearly there are different levels of domain purchases. Some domain names DO sell for 7 figures and if you are buying a seven figure domain name, get a lawyer involved and draft a contract up! Six figure domains may be worth it as well. Any time you are making a purchase and really are not sure what you are doing, consider paying somebody to assist you that DOES know what they are doing. Domain brokers are a thing to consider but make sure they are working For You!

If you are in question of any trademarks that may be in the domain name, I would suggest to use caution. Consult legal advice if you have questions because it is better to be safe then sorry. Just because somebody else owns a specific domain name doesn’t mean they are "safe" or it’s "legal" by owning it or that you would be "safe" based on what you plan on using the domain name for or just by owning it.

Domain names are one of a kind. How often do you sell something that is one of a kind? How often do you sell something that is one of a kind, that anybody in the world can find and reach you at any point! This is something very important to keep in mind, as I can promise you that the current domain owner is well aware of this. Once they sell it, there is likely no chance they will be able to purchase it again in there life time!

Yes domain names are an expense, but they often pay for them self in a short period of time. Buying the right domain name and understanding domain names will clearly help. If the cost doesn’t fit your budget, explore other options and do not just give up. Often times you can lease a domain name or set up a payment plan!

Always be sure you have full control of the domain and your name and email address are correct in the whois system!

Domain names are not just a name! They can be a trust builder, a business insider, a advertising dream, keywords best friend, branding power and so much more!